Chapter 1: Meeting

Sandra smiled as her index finger moved thoroughly around the brim of the wine glass. Her eyes were fixated on the television, watching intently as her face flashed on the screen.

"Aren't they getting tired of you, Sandra?" Bammie, who was sitting next to her, queried with a frown.

Sandra raised her eyebrows as she shifted her gaze to her best friend, "Huh?" she asked innocently.

Bammie rolled her eyes, knowing exactly that she's just acting clueless, "It's been a week since that exclusive interview, but it's still on the hot topic"

Shrugging her shoulders, she took a sip on her wine and didn't respond. Honestly, she didn't expect that announcing her ideal type will be that big. She was just being honest and precise by answering that certain question.

"Phoenix, huh? You haven't even got a glimpse of his face yet. And don't give me the 'I fell for his masterpieces' excuse, I know you better!" Her best friend continued while narrowing her eyes on her.

Grinning, she raised her wine glass and moved it slowly in circular motion before taking a sip again. "I just said I like him, Bammie. No biggie," she shrugged nonchalantly.

"Yeah. But you directly invited him to your house! That's a big deal!"

"Oh?" She gasped, pretending to look surprised then giggled, "I didn't know!" she chirped, but her expression said otherwise which made Bammie roll her eyes once again.

They've been best friends since they were still in diapers and they've been together even before they got out of their mother's wombs. So, even if she wouldn't speak, Bammie will know what's going on inside that pretty head of hers.

"Let's hope he's good looking, but I doubt it. There's always a reason why people decide to hide their faces. It's either they're too shy or ugly!" Bammie snickered.

Sandra chuckled as she shook her head, "So judgemental, Bammie. I wouldn't be surprised if you become an old lady someday. Men are scared of you!" She retorted that earned a leer and a hit in the arm from her best friend.

"I'm just telling the truth! And stop saying I'm gonna be an old maid, because I won't be! Excuse me!"

She laughed and gently caressed the part of her arm that her best friend hit. She has always been a violent person whenever her emotions are involved but Sandra loves to tease her nevertheless.

The two went silent when the news caught their attention back. Automatically, the corner of her lips lifted upward upon seeing that their topic was finally focused on her ideal type, Phoenix.

"Look, Sandra. Is that.. Phoenix?" asked Bammie when the screen suddenly turned to a video of a guy with blonde undercut hair who wears spectacles.

"Are you Phoenix?" said the reporter beside him, repeating Bammie's question.

Sandra kept her eyes glued on the television as she waited for his answer. He looked pissed as he profusely shook his head in denial, which made her lips stretched more in amusement.

Sure, that's certainly not close to her ideal guy. But then, appearances never really attracted her.

"No.. I'm not," he replied.

"Oh! But I'm sure you know him personally, since you said you're working here. Where is he then.. if it's not you?" the reporter probed that visibly irritated the guy more.

"I feel him! If someone does that to me, I'll probably call out on them," Bammie commented.

Sandra just shook her head. Her eyes didn't take off from the screen whilst it glinted in delight. All be damn if he's not Phoenix, she thought.

"I don't know. No one has any idea. Excuse me, I'm getting late.."

"That's definitely not your ideal type. Good thing he's not Phoenix," Bammie stated after the news finally ended.

Sandra grinned at her best friend.

Yes, that guy was indeed not her type, for he's actually the opposite of her ideal when it comes to physical attributes. But it doesn't matter. That guy's still an eyecatcher. If that's Phoenix, that just means she really has eyes for attractive men.

"He's cute," she shrugged.

Bammie rolled her eyes and pointed her dainty index finger to her, "You're into rappers. And your exes have almost the same features. You followed your pattern, Sandra. Tall, handsome, and a flower boy," she stated with a huff.

"So?"

"So?" Bammie mimicked her tone exaggeratedly with brows raising heavenward, "I'm just saying that if that guy is Phoenix, you'll never like him. He already failed the most important quality you desired the most. Height!" she said venomously whilst rolling her eyes once again. "I wonder why you didn't say you like Levi instead? He's on your top list, right?"

Immediately, Bammie gasped and covered her mouth after seeing Sandra scowling at her. Then she gave her a peace sign and chuckled.

She sighed. "How is he, by the way?" she asked while she moved her index finger around the brim of the wine glass again.

Bammie didn't respond right away and studied her first for a few seconds. Then, the corner of her lips slowly tugged upward as her eyes glinted in mischief, as an idea suddenly flashed in her mind.

"Why don't you invite him out and see for yourself? You can also ask him to introduce you to Phoenix since they're from the same agency," she suggested excitedly.

Sandra's brows furrowed then stared at the wine. 'Should she?' she thought.

"It's like hitting two birds in one stone, Sandra. What do you think?" Bammie protruded while grinning sardonically.

Her lips slowly curved upward as she got Bammie's point. She's smart indeed. However, that's not how she works. Her best friend's idea was to cheat and she's not a cheater. She will never use the easy way, nor use anyone for her advantage and convenience, especially Levi.

"I'm just suggesting," Bammie shrugged when she saw Sandra shaking her head.

The latter stood up while still holding her wine glass. She then looked through the window, and silently watched the busy city below her. She stayed there for a while as her office engulfed with eerily silence, until it was cut by a loud ring of her phone.

She didn't move though. Not because she didn't have a plan to answer the call.. but because her ever so nosy best friend already got it and answered the call without her consent.

"Yes, hello? Who's this?" Bammie asked, then covered her mouth as she gasped while looking at her, "Yeah, she's here! Wait.." she said then walked to her with a huge grin.

Sandra raised her eyebrows as she watched her saunter towards her, "Who's that?" she queried.

Smiling suspiciously, Bammie pushed the phone on her palm, "Just answer it!" she protruded.

________________________

"Meet her!" Simon insisted for the nth times, making Sebastian's temples palpitated. 

He groaned then covered his ears. He was so freaking close to punching Simon just to shut him up. 

"And bring me with you! Come on, don't think of it anymore, it's been a week and people don't seem to get tired of hunting you!" 

"Simon.." He warned. 

As if he didn't hear the warning bells, Simon just continued convincing his brother and didn't have any intention to give up. 

"Yohan! Help me convince him!" he screamed back up. 

Yohan shook his head while Damon who was sitting in front of the computer was just there laughing his ass out for finding those siblings funny. They always argue over almost everything and Simon was so insensitive for not seeing how pissed his older brother was, that in no time soon, he's going to sew his big mouth. 

"Don't make him too piss off Simon. Remember that he's not yet done with your song. He'll not finish it or he might give it away to others if you keep on bothering him," Yohan stated which made Simon shut up fina-fvcking-lly. 

Sebastian sighed in relief after that and wore his headphones. He asked Yohan to go inside the recording so that they could finish early. And as for Simon.. "Get out Simon. You're not in need of here," he ordered so sharply it made his brother complain that it hurts. 

Everyone shook their heads and sighed when Simon finally left the studio. They couldn't concentrate on whatever they were doing because of his loud and annoying voice. Sebastian was the most distracted though, for whenever he saw Simon everywhere in this building, he just didn't stop mentioning Sandra and convinced him to go and meet her. 

He mentally cursed. 

It's been a freaking week, but the news is still up and it seems like it just came up seconds ago. To think that he or more safely to say -- that Phoenix was just a mere composer who was just making good music was on the hot topic for a week made him restless. 

He was supposed to be home now sleeping soundly or watching movies. But because of that news about him, liked by a certain woman, his peaceful life was nowhere to be found. Aside from his brother who bothers him in any chances given, he has also become out of focus and couldn't finish a song that was supposed to be done days ago. 

He heaved a sigh. 

"Seb.." 

His forehead creased when the door creaked open. Yohan stopped from singing on the recording booth and Damon straightened on his seat. He was surprised to see Levi who suddenly barged inside the studio when as far as he knows, he has another schedule. 

"Why?" Sebastian asked, quizzically. 

Levi looked at him intently "Come with me. We have an appointment today," he stated nonchalantly without giving off any expression. 

"Appointment?" Damon interrupted, curious at his action. "Is it for your new song?" 

Sebastian tilted his head as the crease on his forehead deepened. "I don't remember we had an appointment together," he muttered. 

As far as he knows, they haven't talked about his comeback with their boss. Or did he forget? 

He scowled at Levi, but the latter grinned at him and shrugged his shoulders. He then turned around and held the doorknob. "Finish that. We'll wait for you in Diners," he dismissed then left. 

"What's that?" Yohan queried when the door closed. 

"Levi became Sebastian's manager all of a sudden," Damon stated, then laughed maniacally.

 

Sebastian shook his head then decided to just wrap up and followed Levi. Maybe he'd just forgotten about it and Levi has to remind him. Or maybe their boss forgot to tell him? That's more possible because he's not forgetful. But in his state at the moment, the former was also possible. 

He stepped out of his car and read the sign above the restaurant Levi texted. He'd never been there. The place looks peaceful, private and cozy. Suddenly, he felt out of place because he's not the type to spend his money on expensive restaurants even if he can afford it. 

"May I know your name, Sir?" the receptionist inquired the moment he stepped in near the entrance. 

He was ready to say his name as he inwardly hoped Levi made a reservation for them when suddenly, a baritone voice called him just behind. Immediately, Sebastian turned around and saw his friend Levi who've just arrived. The latter then nodded at him and turned to the receptionist to tell his name instead. 

"What are we gonna talk about?" Sebastian asked the moment they sat down on the table reserved for them. 

Levi stared at him for a few seconds and grinned meaningfully. But to his utter disappointment, he didn't answer him and just shrugged his shoulders off. He was about to repeat his question and decided not to stop until he finally talked, but he wasn't able to even open his mouth when all of a sudden, Levi quickly jolted up on his seat with a huge smile plastered on his lips as he looked past behind him. 

Quite bewildered, his brows immediately pulled together and followed his gaze. The crease on his forehead defined upon seeing a woman in her skimpy black dress sauntering towards their direction. In an instant, he felt like his chest would burst for the sudden acceleration of his heartbeat as he recognized the woman. 

He stiffened. 

Her beautiful face was too familiar and he bet no one could not recognize her. 

He mentally cursed. 

He wanted to punch himself and yelled at himself to wake up and not let that woman go near him. He knew there was something wrong about the sudden appointment with Seunghyun, but he just waved it off. And now, he's regretting why he didn't trust his gut feeling?! Damn him. 

The restaurant became very quiet as if an angel had just entered inside. Well, she's not literally an angel, but she has an angelic face. 

Turning back to Levi, he gave him a deadly glare. Then, he stood up to catch his friend's attention. But unfortunately, Levi's gazes just went through him as if he was just a soul he couldn't see. 

"Damn it, Levi," he glared at the oblivious Levi who's eyes were intact to the angel-faced woman behind him. 

Sighing in defeat, he sat down and immediately gulped down the glass of water straight. He then shook his head as he closed his eyes, trying to calm his nerves. 

Out of all people, Levi was the last person he would think of selling him to that woman. But he proved him wrong and damn him for that. 

He shut his eyes tightly and mentally cursed again when he heard the clacking of her heels becoming loud, indicating she's getting near them. He freaking wants to stand up again and just leave. But he couldn't do that, for he knew it would just hurt his ego. And his freaking sure as hell it will freaking hunt him in his dreams. So, no thanks. He's staying and enduring everything for the sake of his manly pride. 

"It's been awhile, Levi," her sweet voice reverberated. 

It was not that loud, but enough for them to hear, especially him because the voice came just right behind him. 

Unconsciously, he bit his bottom lip and drank another glass of water that had just been refilled. The loud and fast thumping of his chest kept on increasing and it was not helping him at all. 

'Fvck it,' he cursed inwardly. 

"Yes, and I'm glad you finally accepted my invitation," Levi replied as he pulled the chair next to him before glancing at Sebastian and gave him a knowing look, "Have a seat, Sandra," he said, emphasizing her nickname, for him to hear it loud and clear as if taunting him. 

'Damn you Levi Cruz,' he thought, and finally opened his eyes to finally see a better view of Sandra Mendez.